Urine test device installed on inner wall of toilet bowl and urinalysis method performed by same

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a urine test device installed on an inner wall of a toilet bowl and a urinalysis method performed by same, the urine test device comprising: a fixing member for fixing the urine test device to an inner wall of a toilet; a housing forming a urine path toward a toilet trapway outlet; a test module configured to control the movement of a urinalysis test sheet to expose the urinalysis test sheet to the urine path through a through-hole of the urine path so that the urinalysis test sheet accommodated in the inner space of the housing can be in contact with the urine of a user flowing in the urine path; and a communication module for transmitting the remote urinalysis result of the user to an external analysis device.

Description

A urinalysis device installed on the inner wall of a toilet and a urinalysis method performed using the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to a urine test device installed on the inner wall of a toilet and remotely transmitting urine test results using a urine test paper to an external analysis device.

[0002] Urine is a fluid that passes through the kidneys, filters out waste products in the blood, stores them, and then excretes them in the form of an aqueous solution. Its main function is to regulate the amount of water in the body and excrete waste products.

[0003] Through a component analysis of urine, a variety of diseases such as urinary tract diseases, endocrine diseases, and metabolic diseases can be screened for risk factors. Since urine tests are simpler to perform than other types of tests, urine tests are one of the tests that are essential in the process of checking the body's health.

[0004] Conventionally, urine tests were mostly conducted as an on-site test, in which the examinee visited a testing institution (e.g., a hospital) and submitted a urine sample in real time. In very rare cases, a remote test was also conducted, in which the examinee manually collected urine and visited the testing institution in person to submit the collected urine.

[0005] This type of examination method is inconvenient in terms of time and space as the examinee must visit the examination institution in person.

[0006] Accordingly, there was a demand for a urine test device that could simply collect urine and transmit the results to a testing institution without requiring the examinee to visit the testing institution.

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problem, embodiments of the present application aim to provide a urine test device that transmits a remote urine test result using a urine test paper to an external analysis device and a urine test method performed thereby.

[0008] A urine test device installed on the inner wall of a toilet according to one aspect of the present application comprises: a fixing member for fixing the urine test device to the inner wall of the toilet; a housing forming a urine path toward a toilet hole, wherein a through hole is formed in the urine path; a test module configured to control the movement of a urine test strip accommodated in an inner space of the housing so that the urine test strip is exposed to the urine path through the through hole so that the urine test strip can come into contact with urine of a user flowing in the urine path, wherein the urine test strip has one or more pads including a test reagent arranged thereon; and a communication module for transmitting the user's remote urine test result to an external analysis device. The test module comprises: a first imaging element for photographing the urine test strip exposed to the urine path to generate first image data indicating whether a color of the pad has changed; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the urine test strip and receiving a photographing result of the first imaging element to generate the user's remote urine test result.

[0009] In one embodiment, the test module may include a supply gear rotatably installed in the housing and having a tape-shaped urine test strip wound around it; a take-up gear rotatably installed in the housing and collecting the urine test strip; a motor that rotates the supply gear or the take-up gear; and an actuator that provides a motor drive signal to the motor according to a control command of the control module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the through-holes may be formed as a pair of through-holes spaced apart from each other on one side wall defining the urine path in the housing. The pad of the urine test strip passes through the first through-hole from the supply gear and the take-up gear due to the rotation of the supply gear and the take-up gear, is exposed to the urine path, and then passes through the second through-hole and enters the interior of the housing and proceeds toward the take-up gear. The supply gear and the take-up gear may be installed such that the gears formed on their peripheral surfaces mesh with each other, and when one gear rotates in one direction, the other gear rotates in the opposite direction in synchronization with the rotation of the one gear.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inspection module further includes a test paper case including the supply gear, the winding gear, and the urine test paper in an inner space of the test paper case, wherein the test paper case includes a pair of case through holes.

[0012] The above inspection module may be configured such that the urine test paper passes from the supply gear through the first case penetration hole and advances to the first penetration hole, and the urine test paper passing through the second penetration hole advances to the winding gear through the second case penetration hole. In addition, the inspection module may be configured such that the test paper case is detachable from the internal space of the housing, so that a new urine test paper can be supplied to the urine test device by replacing the test paper case.

[0013] In one embodiment, a portion of the surface of the housing corresponding to the gap between the pair of through holes may protrude more than another portion of the surface around the through holes, which is located outside the gap in the housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the tape-shaped urine test strip comprises a tape extending in one direction; and at least one test portion positioned on the tape. Each test portion comprises a series of pads containing a test reagent, and the interval between different test portions may be longer than the length of the separation distance between the pair of through holes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the length of the urine path may be longer than the length of the shortest path from one end of the urine path to the other end.

[0016] In one embodiment, the urine path may include a first partial path extending in a direction not parallel to the path direction of the shortest path, and a second partial path in the form of a corner, one end of the second partial path being joined to the first partial path.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the urine path may be formed with at least one structure formed as a protruding structure on the surface of the urine path to further slow down the flow of urine.

[0018] In one embodiment, the urine path in the housing may have a cross-sectional area of ​​a path portion in the urine path that is relatively closer to the rim side of the toilet than a cross-sectional area of ​​a path portion in the urine path that is relatively closer to the toilet hole.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fixing member may be in the form of a hook, one end of the hook-shaped fixing member may be connected to the housing, and the other end of the hook-shaped fixing member may be hooked to the rim side of the toilet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the hook-shaped fixing member connected to the housing may have one end connected to a surface in the housing facing the toilet hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fixing member may be in the form of a suction cup.

[0022] In one embodiment, the urine path may further include a blocking member that at least partially blocks a planar area of ​​the outlet through which urine is discharged.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inspection module may further include one or more of: a second imaging element that photographs in the direction of the toilet hole to generate second image data; and a sensor that measures the strength of urine flowing through the urine path. The control unit may be further configured to receive a photographing result of the second imaging element when the urine test device includes the second imaging element and generate second image data, and to receive a sensing result of the sensor when the urine test device includes the sensor and generate sensing data.

[0024] Through the communication module, one or more of the first image data, the second image data, and the sensing data can be transmitted to the external analysis device as a result of the user's remote urine test.

[0025] A urine test device according to one aspect of the present application can transmit the result of a urine test strip installed in a user's toilet coming into contact with the user's urine as a remote urine test result to an external analysis device, thereby saving the user the trouble of visiting a testing institution for a urine test.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a urine test device installed on the inner wall of a toilet according to one aspect of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a urine test device according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of a urine test device according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0030] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the design specifications of the urine test device (100).

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a urine path according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a protruding structure formed on the bottom surface of a urine path according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a urine test device secured to the inner wall of a toilet by a hook-shaped fixing member according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a tape-shaped urine test paper according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0035] FIG. 8 is an internal block diagram of an inspection module (120) according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a detailed schematic diagram of a driving unit according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the first imaging element (123a) according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0038] Figure 11 illustrates the inspection results captured by the first imaging element (123a).

[0039] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a urine test method according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates the result of movement of the urine test paper (20) according to the first control command when the length of the inspection portion (22) is less than or equal to the length of the exposure section between the through hole (1021a) and the through hole (1021b), according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0041] FIG. 14 illustrates the movement result of the urine test paper (20) according to the 1-1 control command when the length of the inspection portion (22) is longer than the length of the exposure section between the through hole (1021a) and the through hole (1021b), according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0042] Fig. 15 shows the movement result of the urine test paper (20) according to the 1-2 control command following the movement result of Fig. 14.

[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates the results of movement of the urine test paper (20) according to the second control command according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of a process for generating remote urine test results according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046] However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0047] In this specification, expressions such as “has,” “may have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, step, part, element, and / or component), and do not exclude the presence or addition of additional features.

[0048] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0049] The expressions "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in various embodiments may describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and do not limit the components. These expressions may be used to distinguish one component from another. For example, "first component" and "second component" may represent different components, regardless of order or importance.

[0050] The expression "configured to" as used herein can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean something is "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression "a device configured to" can mean that the device, together with other devices or components, is "capable of." For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0051]

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates a urine test device installed on the inner wall of a toilet according to one aspect of the present application.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the urine test device (100) is installed to be positioned on the inner wall (11) of the toilet (10). Specifically, the urine test device (100) can be installed on the inner wall (11) between the surface of the toilet water that normally fills the toilet hole (12) and the rim side (15) of the toilet.

[0054] The above toilet (10) may be a toilet located outside the inspection agency. The above toilet (10) may be, for example, a toilet located at the user's residence, workplace, or a toilet in a public place, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The above urine test device (100) is configured to transmit the user's remote urine test results, which are performed outside the testing institution, to an external analysis device (200). The external analysis device may be a computing device remotely located outside the toilet.

[0056] The above analysis device (200) includes at least one processor capable of processing data, a memory for storing data, and a communication unit for transmitting / receiving data. The analysis device (200) may be, for example, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, other computing devices, a tablet, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, smart glasses, a head-mounted display (HMD), other mobile devices, or other wearable devices.

[0057] The above analysis device (200) is configured to communicate with the urine test device (100) and analyze the urine test results.

[0058] In one example, the analysis device (100) may be a user terminal device having a urine test application installed that communicates with the urine test device (100) and provides the urine test application to the user, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0059] In another example, the analysis device (100) may be a desktop computer installed in the inspection institution.

[0060] The urine test device (100) according to the embodiments may be entirely hardware, entirely software, or may have aspects that are partially hardware and partially software. For example, the term "device" (or system) may collectively refer to hardware equipped with data processing capabilities and operating software for driving the same. In this specification, terms such as "unit," "system," and "device" are intended to refer to a combination of hardware and software driven by the hardware. For example, the hardware may be a data processing device including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or other processor. In addition, the software may refer to a running process, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, etc.

[0061] The above urine test device (100) and analysis device (200) can communicate with each other via a wired / wireless electrical communication network.

[0062] The telecommunication network provides a wired / wireless telecommunication path through which the urine test device (100) and the analysis device (200) can transmit and receive data to each other. The telecommunication network is not limited to a communication method according to a specific communication protocol, and an appropriate communication method may be used depending on the implementation example. For example, if the telecommunication network is configured as a system based on the Internet Protocol (IP), the telecommunication network may be implemented as a wired and / or wireless Internet network, and if the urine test device (100) and the analysis device (200) are implemented as mobile communication terminals, the telecommunication network may be implemented as a wireless network such as a cellular network or a wireless local area network (WLAN) network.

[0063] The above urine test device (100) is configured to transmit a test image captured from a urine test paper in contact with urine to an analysis device (200) via the above telecommunication network.

[0064] Additionally, in various embodiments of the present application, the urine test device (100) may be further configured to transmit other test data or image data related to urine to the analysis device (200).

[0065] The data transmission of this urine test device (100) is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 11 below.

[0066]

[0067] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of a urine test device according to various embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of a urine test device according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the urine test device (100) includes a housing (101), a fixing member (110), and a test module (120). The test module (120) may include a urine test paper (20).

[0069] The housing (101) may be configured so that the inspection module (120) is positioned in the internal space. The housing (101) may be configured to block the internal space where the inspection module (120) is positioned and the external space with a waterproof material to prevent toilet water or other external substances from coming into contact with the urine test paper (20).

[0070] In various embodiments of the present application, the housing (101) may include an upper cover (102) and a lower cover (103). The covers (102, 103) define an internal space in which an inspection module (120) can be positioned. The upper cover (102) is configured as a side surface and an upper surface of the internal space. The lower cover (103) is configured as a lower surface of the internal space. The lower cover (103) supports the inspection module (120).

[0071] The above housing (101) is configured to form a urine path. The urine path is a path that extends from one end to the other end and allows urine to flow. One end of the urine path is relatively close to the toilet rim side (15) and is an inlet through which the user's urine flowing along the inner wall enters the urine path. The other end of the urine path is relatively close to the toilet hole (12) and is an outlet through which the user's urine is discharged from the urine path. Due to the difference in position between the inlet and the outlet, urine naturally flows along the urine path toward the outlet.

[0072] The above urine path may be configured as a sunken structure in which the path bottom surface is lower than the upper surface of the housing (101). Due to the sunken structure, urine can flow stably along the urine path.

[0073] In various embodiments of the present application, the upper cover (102) includes a first side wall (1021) and a second side wall (1022). The side walls (1021, 1022) may be connected to the upper surface of the housing (101). The length of the side walls (1021, 1022) may be the height between the upper surface of the housing (101) and the bottom surface of the path, or may be longer.

[0074] A first side wall (1021) may be positioned between the two side surfaces (101a, 101b) of the housing (101). The housing (101) may have a first internal space that is at least partially covered by the first side wall (1021). An inspection module (120) may be installed in the first internal space.

[0075] The first side wall (1021), which defines the first internal space where the test module (120) is positioned, may have a pair of through holes (1021a, 1021b). The pair of through holes (1021a, 1021b) are spaced apart from each other as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The urine test strip (20), the movement of which is controlled by the test module (120), passes through the first through hole (1021a) and is exposed on the urine path, so that it can come into contact with the user's urine flowing along the urine path. The urine test strip (20) that has passed through the first through hole (1021a) can pass through the second through hole (1021b) and be inserted back into the first internal space.

[0076] In various embodiments of the present application, a portion of the surface of the housing (101) corresponding to the spaced section between the pair of through holes (1021a, 1021b), i.e., the exposed section, may be configured to protrude more than another portion of the surface around the through holes (1021a, 1021b) located outside the spaced section in the housing (101). In some embodiments, the planar structure of the surface corresponding to the exposed section in the first side wall (1021) may be configured to have a curvature. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the planar structure of the exposed section in the first side wall (1021) may have an arch shape. Since the planar structure of the exposed section is in an arch shape, the surface of the first side wall (1021) protruding in the arch shape protrudes closer to the second side wall (1022) than the other surface of the first side wall (1021) outside the arch. As a result, the possibility that the urine test strip (20) located in the above-mentioned exposure area will come into contact with urine flowing along the urine path increases.

[0077] The second side wall (1022) is spaced apart from the first side wall (1021). The side walls (1021, 1022) extend linearly or non-linearly from the rim side (15) toward the toilet hole (12).

[0078] Additionally, the housing (101) may further have an additional internal space distinct from the first internal space depending on the position of the second side wall (1022). The second side wall (1022) may be positioned between the two side surfaces (101a, 101b) of the housing (101). Then, the housing (101) may further have a second internal space that is at least partially covered by the second side wall (1022). Alternatively, the second side wall (1022) may be the side surface 101b of the housing 102. Then, the housing (101) may only include the first internal space.

[0079] The bottom surface of the above urine path can be defined by the upper cover (102) or the lower cover (103).

[0080] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the urine path may be defined by a portion of the lower cover (103). For this purpose, the upper cover (102) may have a form in which a first side wall (1021) and a second side wall (1022) are perforated. Specifically, the upper cover (102) may be configured with a first upper surface connecting the first side wall (1021) and the side surface (101a), and a second upper surface connecting the second side wall (1022) and the side surface (101b). The heights of the second upper surface and the first upper surface may be identical to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0081] When the upper cover (102) is combined with the lower cover (103), the side walls (1021, 1022) come into contact with the surface of the lower cover (103), and the lower cover (103) may be exposed in the area between the first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022). Then, the urine path may be defined as the exposed portion of the side walls (1021, 1022) and the lower cover (103), as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0082] In some other embodiments, the bottom surface of the urine path may be an upper cover (102). The first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022) may be connected to each other. That is, the upper cover (102) may include a third upper surface connecting the second upper surface and the first upper surface. The third upper surface may be in contact with the lower cover (103). Then, the urine path may be defined by the side walls (1021, 1022) and the second upper surface.

[0083] The above urine path is formed in an extended direction by the first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022). The gap between the first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022) closest to the rim side (15) forms the inlet, and the gap between the first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022) closest to the toilet hole (12) forms the outlet.

[0084] The cross-sectional area, length, planar shape and / or bottom surface of the above urine path can be designed for urinalysis.

[0085] The distance between the first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022) defines the cross-sectional area of ​​the urine path. The cross-sectional area of ​​the urine path can be calculated by the distance between the side walls (1021, 1022) and the height of the side walls (1021, 1022).

[0086] In various embodiments of the present application, the urine path may be formed such that a cross-sectional area of ​​a path portion relatively closer to the rim side (15) of the toilet in the urine path is wider than a cross-sectional area of ​​a path portion relatively closer to the toilet hole (12) in the urine path. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area (Aout) of an outlet in the urine path may be narrower than a cross-sectional area of ​​a path portion connected to the outlet and relatively closer to the rim side (15) of the toilet. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the urine path may be formed such that a cross-sectional area of ​​an inlet relatively closer to the rim side (15) of the toilet compared to the outlet is wider than a cross-sectional area of ​​an outlet relatively closer to the toilet hole (12) compared to the inlet.

[0087] The cross-sectional area (Aout) of the above outlet may have the narrowest cross-sectional area among the cross-sectional areas (A) on the urine path.

[0088] Additionally, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area (Ain) of the inlet may have the widest cross-sectional area among the cross-sectional areas (A) in the urine path. In some embodiments, the gap between the first side wall (1021) and the second side wall (1022) may gradually narrow as it proceeds in the extension direction of the urine path. That is, the cross-sectional area (Ain) of the inlet in the urine path is the widest, the cross-sectional area (Aout) of the outlet is the narrowest, and the cross-sectional area (A) between the inlet and the outlet may be smaller than the cross-sectional area (Ain) of the inlet and larger than the cross-sectional area (Aout) of the outlet, and may gradually decrease as it approaches the outlet.

[0089] In the path cross-sectional structure of the urine test device (100) as shown in FIG. 2, since the cross-sectional area (Aout) of the outlet is narrower than the cross-sectional area (Ain) of the inlet, if urine temporarily approaches the outlet excessively and attempts to pass through, the urine approaching the outlet may not pass through the outlet completely and may at least partially flow back. As a result, if the cross-sectional area (Ain) of the inlet is wider than the cross-sectional area (Aout) of the outlet as shown in FIG. 2, compared to the case where the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet are identical, the time that urine flowing along the urine path remains in the urine path relatively increases, and ultimately, contact between the urine test strip (20) exposed on the urine path and the user's urine flowing along the urine path can be further ensured.

[0090] The extended length of the side walls (1021, 1022) defines the length of the urine path. In some embodiments, the length of the urine path may be calculated as the extended length of the center point between the gaps of these side walls (1021, 1022).

[0091] The structural specifications of the above urine path, including the width and length, may be designed such that the speed of the user's urine flowing along the urine path is relatively slow, and / or the retention time of the user's urine flowing along the urine path is increased.

[0092] The width of the above urine path can be designed by subdividing it into the width of the inlet, the width of the outlet, and the width between the inlet and outlet.

[0093] In various embodiments of the present application, the inlet in the urine path has a larger area than the outlet so as to increase the retention time of the user's urine flowing along the urine path. Furthermore, the urine path may be configured to have a length greater than the length of the shortest path from the inlet to the outlet of the urine path. Here, the shortest path corresponds to a virtual straight line virtually connecting the three-dimensional position of the inlet to the three-dimensional position of the outlet.

[0094] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the design specifications of the urine test device (100).

[0095] If the urine test device (100) of Fig. 2 is simplified in terms of fluid dynamics, it can be expressed in the form of a water tank containing urine as shown in Fig. 3.

[0096] All urine in a water tank flows out through the outlet over time. By calculating the volume of urine flowing out through the outlet with cross-sectional area A over time Δt from the initial height difference H in the water tank in Fig. 3 using Torricelli's theorem, the flow time T required for all urine of the initial height difference H to flow out can be expressed by the following mathematical formula.

[0097]

[0098] It was confirmed that the outflow time (T) increases as the area of ​​the inlet (B) is larger than the area of ​​the outlet (A). The initial height difference (H) corresponds to the length of the urine path. Since the outflow time (T) is proportional to the initial height difference (H), it was confirmed that the outflow time (T) increases as the distance from the inlet to the outlet increases.

[0099] In alternative embodiments, the urine path may be implemented in the form of a pipe. The pipe forming the urine path is made of a waterproof material and a flexible material. In this case, the inlet and outlet may be implemented in the form of a tube.

[0100] When the inlet and outlet are in the form of pipes, Poiseuille's Law can be applied. According to Poiseuille's Law, the resistance (R) of the pipe through which the fluid flows and the velocity (flow rate) of the fluid flowing through the pipe can be expressed by the following mathematical equations 2 and 3, respectively.

[0101]

[0102] Here, η represents the viscosity of the fluid, L represents the length of the pipe, and r represents the radius of the pipe.

[0103]

[0104] Here, η represents the viscosity of the fluid, L represents the length of the pipe, r represents the radius of the pipe, and △P represents the fluid pressure difference between the two ends of the pipe. Through mathematical equations 2 and 3, it can be confirmed that as the length of the pipe through which the fluid flows increases, the friction in the pipe increases and the speed of the fluid passing through the pipe decreases.

[0105] Under the path length structure of the urine test device (100) as described above, the speed of urine flowing along the urine path may be relatively reduced compared to when the urine path is formed with the shortest length between the inlet and the outlet. In addition, if the planar shape of the urine path is nonlinear, the speed of urine may be further reduced. By designing the urine path to slow down the flow of urine in this way, the time that urine remains in the urine path is relatively increased, and ultimately, contact between the urine test strip (20) exposed on the urine path and the user's urine flowing along the urine path can be further ensured.

[0106] A urine path satisfying these design specifications can be installed in the urinalysis device (100) in various forms.

[0107] FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a urine path having a length longer than the length of the shortest path, according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 4, the urine path may include at least one horizontal partial path. Each horizontal partial path has a partial inlet and a partial outlet connected to other partial paths, and the extension direction from the partial inlet to the partial outlet and the extension direction from the partial outlet to the partial inlet may be parallel to each other. If the extension direction of the horizontal partial path is virtually continuously extended, it may meet the first side wall (1021) or the second side wall (1022).

[0109] Additionally, the urine path may include at least one corner partial path. Each corner partial path also has a partial inlet and a partial outlet that are connected to other partial paths. The corner partial path may connect different horizontal partial paths, connect an inlet in the urine path and a horizontal partial path, or connect a horizontal partial path and an outlet in the urine path. In the corner partial path, the direction of extension from the partial inlet to the partial outlet and the direction of extension from the partial outlet to the partial inlet may not be parallel to each other.

[0110] In some embodiments, the urine path may have a structure in which corner portion paths and horizontal portion paths are arranged intersecting each other.

[0111] In some embodiments, the sidewalls (1021, 1022) forming the horizontal portion path may be non-linear, such as linear or curved. The sidewalls (1021, 1022) facing each other in the horizontal portion path may have symmetrical, parallel, or different planar shapes.

[0112] The sidewall (1021, 1022) section from the inlet to the outlet can be implemented as a structure in which a series of nonlinear sections are sequentially arranged. The sequential structure of the nonlinear sections illustrated in FIG. 4 is merely exemplary, and depending on embodiments, the sidewall (1021, 1022) may include fewer or more nonlinear sections than illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0113] Additionally, in some embodiments, the urine path may further include at least one vertical partial path connected to an inlet, an outlet, a corner partial path, or a horizontal partial path in the urine path. The vertical partial path may have an extension direction parallel to the vertical direction of the housing (101).

[0114] In various examples, the horizontal portion path may be a planar structure in which side walls (1021, 1022) in the shape of arcs of the same curvature are arranged parallel to each other so that the gap between the side walls (1021, 1022) is maintained, or side walls (1021, 1022) in the shape of arcs of the same curvature are arranged symmetrically to each other so that the gap between the side walls (1021, 1022) narrows and then widens along the gap between the arcs.

[0115] In some embodiments, when the horizontal partial path has a nonlinear structure, the horizontal partial path may be a nonlinear pattern structure in which sub-nonlinear structures are repeated. The nonlinear pattern structure may be a structure in which a curved structure is repeated.

[0116] By having these various sub-paths, the above-mentioned urinary tract can have a relatively long path length compared to the shortest path. For example, the urinary tract can have a relatively long length by being formed into a planar shape similar to the shape of a human small intestine, as illustrated in FIG. 3, by the side walls (1021, 1022).

[0117] As shown in the above drawing 3, the urine path having a non-linear shape can be implemented as a tube, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] Additionally, in various embodiments of the present application, the urine path may be configured to better allow the user's urine in the urine path to come into contact with the urine test strip (20) through components other than the design specifications.

[0119] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a protruding structure formed on the bottom surface of a urine path according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom surface of the urine path may include a plurality of protruding structures (104). According to embodiments, the protruding structures (105) may be formed to protrude relative to the surrounding surface on a portion of the upper cover (102) or a portion of the lower cover (103).

[0121] The above protruding structure (105) may have a cross-sectional structure in the shape of a semicircle or polygonal cone, or a cross-sectional structure in the shape of a column extending in the vertical direction of the upper surface of the structure (105).

[0122] The above-described plurality of protruding structures (105) may be formed of any one of these cross-sectional structures, or may be formed of a combination thereof.

[0123] The above-mentioned protruding structure (105) can reduce the flow rate of the user's urine flowing along the urine path compared to when the bottom surface of the urine path is flat. As a result, the time that the flowing urine remains in the urine path is relatively increased, ultimately further ensuring that the user's urine flowing along the urine path comes into contact with the urine test strip (20) exposed in the urine path.

[0124] Additionally, in various embodiments of the present application, the remote device (100) may further include a path cover (104) covering an upper surface of the urine path. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, both sides of the path cover (104) are joined to side walls (1021, 1022) forming the urine path. In some embodiments, the path cover (104) may be made of a transparent material so that the interior of the urine path under the path cover (104) can be identified from the outside of the path cover (104).

[0125] The above urine path can be fixed to the inner wall (11) of the toilet by a fixing member (110).

[0126] The fixed member (110) is a component that fixes the position of the urine test device (100) by installing the urine test device (100) on the inner wall (11) of the toilet.

[0127] In various embodiments of the present application, the fixing member (110) may be implemented in the form of a suction cup. As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the suction cup (110) may be coupled to the lower cover (103) such that the back surface of the urine examination device (100) faces the inner wall (11).

[0128] Additionally, in some embodiments, the portion of the lower cover (103) that is coupled with the suction cup 12 may have a sunken structure that is more recessed than other portions. The sunken structure in the lower cover (103) may be deeper than the surrounding area and have a depth at which the suction cup (110) can be attached to the inner wall (11) of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the depth of the sunken structure of the lower cover (103) may be designed so that the lower cover (103) contacts the inner wall (11) of the toilet bowl based on the curvature of the inner wall (11) of the lower cover (103), the total area of ​​the lower cover (103), and the contact area of ​​the suction cup (110) with the inner wall (11) of the toilet bowl. In one embodiment, the depth of the sunken structure in the lower cover (103) may match the height of the suction cup (110).

[0129] When the suction cup (110) is attached to the lower cover (103) and is absorbed by the inner wall (11) of the toilet, the lower cover (103) can come into contact with the inner wall (11) of the toilet. By installing the suction cup (110) in the sunken structure of the lower cover (103), the specific gravity of the user's urine flowing along the inner wall (11) of the toilet into the toilet hole (12) is relatively reduced, and the urine flows into the gap between the urine test device (100) and the inner wall (11), thereby entering the urine path in the urine test device (100), thereby increasing the possibility that the urine test paper (20) exposed on the urine path will come into contact with the user's urine.

[0130] FIG. 6 illustrates a urine test device secured to the inner wall of a toilet by a hook-shaped fixing member according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0131] In various embodiments of the present application, the fixing member (110) may be in the shape of a hook. The elongated portion of the hook fixing member (110) may be linearly spherical along the surface of the rim side (15). The curved portion of the hook fixing member (110) may be caught on the outer portion of the rim side (15).

[0132] One end of the hook fixing member (110) may be connected to the housing (101), and the other end of the hook fixing member (110) may be implemented in a ring shape to be hung on the rim side (15) of the toilet.

[0133] In some embodiments, one end of the hook fixing member (110) connected to the housing (101) may be connected to a surface of the housing facing the toilet hole. One end of the hook fixing member (110) may be connected to a surface of the upper cover (102) where an outlet of the urine path is formed. In this state, when the hook fixing member (110) hangs over the toilet rim side (15), tension is applied to the fixing member (110) due to the weight of the urine test device (100), so that a lower portion close to the toilet hole (12) is separated from the toilet inner wall (11), whereas an upper portion close to the rim side (15) of the urine test device (100) is brought closer to the toilet inner wall (11). As a result, the gap between the inlet of the urine path and the toilet inner wall (11) is reduced, so that more of the user's urine flowing along the toilet inner wall (11) can enter the urine path.

[0134] In various embodiments of the present application, a blocking member may be further included that at least partially blocks the outlet through which urine is discharged from the urine path. The blocking member may partially or completely block the flat surface area of ​​the outlet, thereby reducing the amount of urine discharged from the user's urine path compared to the case where the blocking member is absent.

[0135] In one embodiment, the blocking member may be a net including a plurality of holes that partially block an outlet in the urine path. The net may be installed to cover the outlet of the urine path.

[0136] The above-mentioned net may be implemented as an integral part of the outlet portion of the urine path, or may be implemented as a combined type that is detachably attached to the urine path, such as a cap shape. If the net is implemented as a combined type, the net may include a combined member and a mesh surrounded by the combined member.

[0137] The above mesh delays the discharge of the user's urine from the urinary tract. As a result, the time that urine flowing along the urinary tract remains in the urinary tract is relatively increased compared to when the mesh is not present, ultimately further ensuring that the user's urine flowing along the urinary tract comes into contact with the urinalysis test strip (20) exposed in the urinary tract.

[0138] In another embodiment, the blocking member may be a sliding cover. The sliding cover may be installed at the discharge port toward the toilet hole in the urine path, and may be configured to partially or completely block the flat area of ​​the discharge port depending on the degree of sliding.

[0139] By sliding, the sliding cover can completely block the discharge port to temporarily block the user's urine from being discharged through the discharge port, and by sliding, the discharge port can be opened to allow the user's urine to be discharged through the discharge port.

[0140] The inspection module (120) can control the sliding operation of the sliding cover. Specifically, the inspection module (120) can control the sliding cover to block the discharge port while the user's urine flows along the urine path. Additionally, the inspection module (120) can control the sliding cover to open the discharge port when the user's urine is completed. The control operation of the sliding cover of the inspection module (120) is described in more detail below.

[0141] The sliding cover allows the user's urine to be accommodated in the urine path. As a result, compared to the case without the sliding cover, the time that urine flowing along the urine path remains in the urine path is relatively increased, ultimately further ensuring that the urine test strip (20) exposed in the urine path comes into contact with the user's urine flowing along the urine path.

[0142] Referring again to FIG. 2, the test module (120) is installed inside the housing (101) and is configured to control the movement of the urine test strip (20) so that the urine test strip (20) is stored inside the housing (101), the urine test strip (20) is exposed to the urine path, the urine of the user flowing along the urine path comes into contact with the exposed urine test strip (20), and the urine test strip (20) that has come into contact with the urine enters the housing (101) again to generate a urine test result image.

[0143] The urine test paper (20) stored in the above inspection module (120) may be in the form of a tape.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a tape-shaped urine test paper according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0145] Referring to Fig. 7, the urine test paper (20) may include a tape (21) extending in one direction and at least one test portion (22) positioned on the tape (21). Each test portion (22) is a substantial portion of the urine test paper, in which pads (23) containing a test reagent are arranged continuously.

[0146] The above urine test paper (20) has a tape (21) on which one or more test portions (22) can be arranged, unlike a conventional stick-type test paper in which one test portion (22) is generally arranged on a unit stick. The tape (21) may be longer than the length of a conventional unit stick.

[0147] The above pad (23) may be a unit reagent formed with a specific reagent. The inspection portion (22) refers to a group of unit pads (23) formed with such unit reagents.

[0148] When the urine to be tested is brought into contact with the pad (23), the components in the urine react with each unit reagent, causing a color change. Each pad (23) included in a single test section (22) is formed of a different reagent, and can react with each component in the urine to individually cause a color change. Then, the detection of each component in the user's urine can be determined by the color change of each pad (23) within the single test section (22).

[0149] In some embodiments, the gap (Lgap) between consecutive inspection portions may be longer than the length of the separation between the pair of through holes (1021a, 1021b). The gap (Lgap) between the inspection portions may be the distance between the pad (23) at the end of an adjacent inspection portion and the pad (23) closest to another adjacent inspection portion.

[0150] In the urine test paper (20), the exposed portion is the portion located in the space between the penetration holes (1021a, 1021b). In order for the pad (23) to come into contact with urine while the user provides urine, at least a portion of the test portion (22) must be located in the space between the penetration holes (1021a, 1021b).

[0151] Meanwhile, if the pad (23) is located in the gap between the penetration holes (1021a, 1021b) when the user flushes the toilet after urinating, the exposed pad (23) may come into contact with water, resulting in contamination of the reagent. If the pad (23) comes into further contact with water after having been in contact with urine, the reagent on the tape (21) may be diluted or changed. This makes it difficult to obtain accurate test results for the user's urine and may increase the possibility of errors.

[0152] When the gap between adjacent test portions (22) on the urine test strip (20) is longer than the distance between the pair of penetration holes (1021a, 1021b), only the tape portion 21 without the pad (23) on the urine test strip (20) is exposed to the urine path. In this case, when the toilet is flushed, the water in the toilet cannot affect the pad (23), so that accurate test results can be obtained.

[0153] This urine test paper (20) can be implemented in a form in which a pad (23) is directly formed on an extended tape (21), or can be implemented by attaching a urine test stick product in common use at the time of application for this patent to the tape (21).

[0154] The movement of the above urine test paper (20) is described in more detail with reference to Figures 12-15 below.

[0155] FIG. 8 is an internal block diagram of an inspection module (120) according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 8, the inspection module (120) may include a driving unit (121), a first sensor (122), a first imaging element (123a), a communication unit (126), a power supply unit (127), and a control unit (129). In addition, in various embodiments of the present application, the inspection module (120) may further include one or more components among a second imaging element (123b), a second sensor (124), a first light-emitting element (125a), and a second light-emitting element (125b).

[0157] The control unit (129) controls the overall operation of the inspection module (120). The control unit (129) may be implemented with at least one processor and / or memory. The control unit (129) may control at least some of the remaining components to execute a remote urine inspection operation.

[0158] The memory is connected to the processor and can store data such as basic programs for the processor's operation, application programs, setting information, and information generated by the processor's operations. The memory can be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. In addition, the memory can provide stored data upon request from the processor. In addition, the memory can permanently or temporarily store data received from the communication unit (126), data captured by the imaging element (123), sensing data generated by the sensors (122, 124), and data generated or processed by the processor.

[0159] Memory may include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), compact discs (CDs), random access memory (RAMs), read only memory (ROMs), and various other storage devices that store data permanently, semi-permanently, or temporarily.

[0160] In various embodiments of the present application, the memory may store a dedicated application for performing operations of the urine test device (100) and method.

[0161] The processor may be configured to implement the procedures and / or methods proposed in the present invention. The processor may perform pre-stored computational processing operations to generate or create information, and determine at least one executable operation to be performed subsequently based on the determined or generated information. Furthermore, the processor may control components of the electronic device (100) to perform the determined operation. To this end, the processor may request, retrieve, receive, or utilize data from a memory, and control components of the electronic device (100) to execute an operation that is predicted or determined to be desirable among the at least one executable operation.

[0162] Such a processor may be implemented as at least one processor. The processor may include a central processing unit (CPU) or a neuromorphic processor designed to facilitate the computation of artificial neural networks by mimicking the neurons and synapses of the human brain.

[0163] The driving unit (121) is a component that moves the urine test strip (20). The driving unit (121) drives the urine test strip (20) inside the housing (101) so that it passes through the through hole (1021a) of the first side wall (1021) in the upper cover (102) and is exposed to the urine path, and passes through the through hole (1021b) of the first side wall (1021) and enters the inside of the housing (101).

[0164] FIG. 9 is a detailed schematic diagram of a driving unit according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 9, the driving unit (121) may include a supply gear (1211) rotatably installed in the housing (101) and having a urine test strip (20) wound around it, a take-up gear (1212) rotatably installed in the housing (101) and recovering the urine test strip (20); a motor (1213) that rotates the supply gear (1211) or the take-up gear (1212); and an actuator (1214) that provides a motor drive signal to the motor (1213) according to a control command of the control unit (129).

[0166] A urine test strip (20) that does not come into contact with urine is wound around the supply gear (1211).

[0167] A urine test strip (20) exposed to the urine path is wound around the winding gear (1212). If the urine test strip (20) exposed to the urine path comes into contact with the user's urine, the urine test strip (20) that has come into contact with the urine may be wound around the winding gear (1212).

[0168] One end of the above tape-shaped urine test paper (20) is connected to the rotational axis of the supply gear (1211), and the other end of the above tape-shaped urine test paper (20) is connected to the rotational axis of the winding gear (1212).

[0169] In various embodiments of the present application, the supply gear (1211) and the take-up gear (1212) may be installed inside the housing (101) such that the gears formed on their peripheral surfaces mesh with each other. The gears (1211, 1212) may be installed in the urine inspection device (100) such that when one of the gears (e.g., 1211) rotates in one direction, the other gear (e.g., 1212) rotates in the opposite direction to the one direction in synchronization with the rotation of the one gear.

[0170] A motor (1213) is connected to at least one of these gears (1211, 1212) and can rotate the connected gear (1211 and / or 1212).

[0171] When the actuator (1214) receives a digital control command from the control unit (129), it can change it into an analog control signal and supply it to the motor (1213). The motor (1213) can be driven according to the control signal to rotate the connected gear (1211 and / or 1212).

[0172] The above control signal may include rotation information regarding the rotation direction, rotation angular velocity, or rotation angular acceleration. The rotation information included in the control signal may be determined based on the control information in the control command.

[0173] By this mutual meshing structure, when the supply gear (1211) and the take-up gear (1212) rotate, the urine test paper (20) that has not come into contact with urine comes out of the supply gear (1211), passes through the through hole (1021a) of the first side wall (1021), is exposed to the urine path, and after coming into contact with the user's urine, passes through the through hole (1021b) of the first side wall (1021), enters the inside of the housing (101), and is wound around the take-up gear (1212).

[0174] In various embodiments of the present application, the driving unit (121) may further include one or more guide units (1215) for allowing the urine test paper (20) to move into the through holes (1021a, 1021b). At least one of the guide units (1215) may be installed on the lower cover (103). The guide unit (1215) may be implemented in the form of a roller, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] The urine test paper (20) that comes out from the supply gear (1211) along the above guide part (1215) can stably pass through the through hole (1021a) and the urine test paper (20) that enters the inside of the housing (101) through the through hole (1021b) can stably advance to the winding gear (1212).

[0176] In various embodiments of the present application, the inspection module (120) may further include the supply gear (1211), the winding gear (1212), and the test paper case (1216) that includes the urine test paper (20) in the internal space of the test paper case (1216).

[0177] The above inspection module (120) may be configured so that the test paper case (1216) can be detachably attached to the internal space of the housing (101). To this end, the inspection module (120) may include at least one internal detachable fixing member (1217) that fixes the test paper case (1216).

[0178] The above internal detachable fixing member (1217) can be installed on the lower cover (103).

[0179] The internal detachable fixing member (1217) may be configured with a column portion corresponding to the height of the test paper case (1216) and an upper portion covering the upper surface of the test paper case (1216). The test paper case (1216) may be fixed to the inside of the internal detachable fixing member (1217). In some embodiments, the internal detachable fixing member (1217) may have a hook shape to facilitate attachment and detachment of the test paper case (1216).

[0180] The internal detachable fixing member (1217) can be configured to bend outward from the hook according to the user's manipulation and return to its original position when the user does not manipulate it. The test paper case (1216) can be removed from the test module (120) by manipulating the internal detachable fixing member (1217).

[0181] The above test paper case (1216) may include a pair of case through holes (1216a, 1216b). The case through holes (1216a, 1216b) are different through holes from the through holes (1021a, 1021b), and the case through hole (1216a) corresponds to the through hole (1021a), and the case through hole (1216b) corresponds to the through hole (1021b). The urine test paper (20) may pass from the supply gear (1211) through the case through hole (1216a) to the through hole (1021a). The urine test paper (20) that has passed through the through hole (1021b) may pass to the winding gear (1212) through the case through hole (1216b).

[0182] In this way, the urine test strip (20) can be replaced in the urine test device (100) by replacing the test strip case (1216) by removing the existing test strip case (1216) containing the urine test strip (20) exposed to the user's urine and attaching a new test strip case (1216) containing the new urine test strip (20) that has not been exposed to the user's urine. By replacing the test strip case (1216), the urine test strip (20) can be replaced naturally, making it easier to replace the urine test strip (20).

[0183] In addition, the inspection module (120) may be configured such that the supply gear (1211), the winding gear (1212) and the test paper case (1215) are detachable. The lower cover (103) may further include a pair of fixed shafts (not shown) that fix the supply gear (1211) and the winding gear (1212). When the test paper case (1215) is detached, the gears (1211, 1212) are also separated from the fixed shafts. When the test paper case (1215) is reattached, the gears (1211, 1212) are coupled to the fixed shafts.

[0184] In some embodiments, at least one of the fixed axes is connected to a motor (1213) and can rotate. The fixed axle connected to the motor (1213) can be configured so that when the fixed axle rotates, the associated gear also rotates synchronously. The motor (1213) can rotate the fixed axle to rotate the newly coupled gear (1211 or 1212) through replacement.

[0185] Referring again to FIG. 8, the inspection module (120) may include various sensors or imaging elements.

[0186] The first sensor (122) is configured to detect whether urine is flowing along the urine path. The urine test device (100) can use the first sensor (122) to recognize whether the user is urinating or has completed urination.

[0187] The above first sensor (122) may be, but is not limited to, a rain sensor, a moisture sensor, an optical sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0188] The detection result of the first sensor (122) can be transmitted to the control unit (129). The detection result of the first sensor (122) can be used for the control operation of the control unit (129).

[0189] In addition, the first sensor (122) can detect whether toilet water is flushing along the inner wall (11) of the toilet. The control unit (129) can determine a change in urine or toilet water based on the detection result of the first sensor (122). If a change in moisture, temperature, or optical properties occurs based on the detection result of the first sensor (122), the control unit (129) can determine whether the change is due to urine or toilet water based on the range of the change value. For example, if the change in moisture content is relatively large, it can be determined as toilet flushing, and if the change in moisture content is relatively small, it can be determined as urine.

[0190] In one embodiment, the control unit (129) may be configured to preset a threshold change amount as a criterion for determining urine based on input from the device designer. If the change in moisture content is greater than the threshold change amount, it is determined that the toilet is flushed, and if the change in moisture content is less than the threshold change amount, it is determined that the toilet is being flushed.

[0191]

[0192] When the first image data indicating color changes is transmitted to an external analysis device (200), the external analysis device (200) can display the first test image using the first image data. Accordingly, the first image data can be used as a result of a user's urine test to analyze the user's health condition.

[0193] In addition, the first image data can be used to recognize the movement status of the urine test paper (20) and control the movement of the urine test paper (20).

[0194] Through the above first image data, the control unit (129) can determine whether the target inspection part (22) is located in the exposure section or whether the inspection part (22) has passed through the exposure section.

[0195] The second imaging element (123b) is configured to capture the direction of the toilet hole (12) to generate second image data. The capture result of the second imaging element (123b) may be referred to as second image data.

[0196] As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the second imaging element (123b) may be referred to as an internal imaging element because it photographs an internal space.

[0197] The second imaging element (123b) has a field of view angle directed toward the toilet hole. As a result, the second imaging element (123b) can generate excrement image data obtained by photographing urine or feces as second image data.

[0198] The second imaging element (123b) can transmit second image data to the control unit (129). The second image data can be used to display a second examination image representing the user's urine or feces.

[0199] The imaging elements (123a, 123b) may be various elements that capture images or videos of a subject using optical and electronic properties. For example, the imaging elements (123a, 123b) may be implemented as RGB sensors, various image elements capable of capturing objects using light in the visible light range, or camera modules. These imaging elements (123a, 123b) can be used to compare the changed color of the pad (23) with a color chart with the naked eye, or to more precisely analyze the appearance of a user's urine or feces in a toilet.

[0200] Additionally, the second sensor (124) is configured to measure the strength of the user's urine flowing along the urine path. The second sensor (124) may be implemented as a vibration sensor, a sound sensor, or other sensor (e.g., an optical sensor).

[0201] The above inspection module (120) can measure the intensity of urine by analyzing the frequency change and / or frequency cycle within the urine path using a sound sensor or vibration sensor as the second sensor (124) to measure the intensity of urine. The second sensor (124) can generate intensity data representing the intensity of the measured urine. The intensity data is sensing data of the second sensor (124).

[0202] The detection result of the above second sensor (124) can be used as a urine test result to analyze the user's health condition together with the first image data.

[0203] The first light-emitting element (125a) is a component for irradiating light onto a urine test strip (20) located within the internal space of the housing (101). The urine test strip (20) to which light is irradiated is a urine test strip (20) located within the range photographed by the first imaging element (123a). The first light-emitting element (125a) may be referred to as an internal light-emitting element.

[0204] The light emitted from the first light-emitting element (125a) assists the first imaging element (123a) in capturing more vivid colors. In some embodiments, the first light-emitting element (125a) may be configured to irradiate uniform light toward the urine test strip (20). Uniform light can be irradiated to the urine test strip (20), and the color of the pad (23) in contact with the user's urine can be accurately measured.

[0205] The above first light-emitting element (125a) may be, for example, a variety of light-emitting elements that output white light.

[0206] The second light-emitting element (125b) is a component that irradiates light toward the outside of the housing (101). The second light-emitting element (125b) can output light to the outside of the urine test device (100) to convey the toilet status and / or the operating status of the urine test device (100) to the user. The second light-emitting element (125b) may be referred to as an external light-emitting element.

[0207] The second light-emitting element (125b) may be configured to output light expressed in a plurality of colors that can indicate each of a plurality of states. The second light-emitting element (125b) may be configured to output a first color indicating a first state, or a second color indicating a second state.

[0208] When the above second light-emitting element (125b) receives status information from the control unit (129), it can output a color corresponding to the received status.

[0209] The operation of the second light-emitting element (125b) is described in more detail below.

[0210] The above communication unit (126) is connected to the control unit (129) to transmit and receive data, and can transmit and receive data with external devices such as an external analysis device (200). All or part of the communication unit (126) may be referred to as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a communication unit, a communication model, or a communication circuit. The communication unit (126) may support at least one of various wireless communication standards such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.xx system, IEEE Wi-Fi system, 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) system, 3GPP LTE (long term evolution) system, 3GPP 5GNR (new radio) system, 3GPP2 system, and Bluetooth, which are wired and wireless connection systems.

[0211] Data may be directly transmitted from the urine test device (100) to the external analysis device (200) through the communication unit (126), or data may be indirectly transmitted from the urine test device (100) to the external analysis device (200) (e.g., a computer of a testing institution) through an intermediary device (e.g., a user terminal).

[0212] The inspection module (120) can transmit the first image data, the second image data, and / or the intensity data to the external analysis device (200) through the communication unit (126).

[0213] The power supply unit (127) is a component for supplying operating power to the inspection module (120).

[0214] In various embodiments of the present application, the power supply unit (127) may be implemented as a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be charged using any of the various charging methods disclosed at the time of filing of the present patent. The charging method may be implemented using any charging method, such as various types of USB or Lightning cables.

[0215] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above urine testing device (100) may include other components. For example, the urine testing device (100) may include other hardware elements necessary for the operations described herein, including an input device for data entry and an output device for printing or other data display. The urine testing device (100) may also include a network, network interface, and protocols connecting the urine testing device (100) to an external device (e.g., a user terminal, an external database, etc.).

[0216]

[0217] A urine test method according to another aspect of the present application can be performed by a test module (120) in the urine test device (100).

[0218] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a urine test method according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 12, the urine test method includes a step (S100) of controlling the movement of the urine test strip (20) accommodated in the internal space of the housing (101) so that the urine test strip (20) can come into contact with the user's urine flowing in the urine path, thereby exposing the urine test strip (20) to the urine path through the through hole (1021a); ​​a step (S200) of further controlling the movement of the urine test strip (20) so that the urine test strip (20) that has come into contact with the urine in the urine path enters the internal space of the housing 10 through the through hole (1021b); a step (S300) of photographing the urine test strip (20) that has entered the internal space of the housing (101) to generate a remote urine test result including first image data; and a step (S400) of transmitting the remote urine test result to an external analysis device (200).

[0220] The above step (S100) may include a step of transmitting a first control command to a driving unit (121) to expose the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence to the urine path through the first through hole (1021a) and changing it into a first driving signal; and a step of supplying the first driving signal to the motor (1213) to drive the motor (1213) according to the first driving signal to rotate a gear connected to the motor (1213), thereby moving the inspection portion of the target sequence.

[0221] In addition, the step (S200) may include a step of changing a second control command to a driving unit (121) to cause the inspection portion (22) of the exposed target sequence to pass through the second through hole (1021b) and enter the internal space of the housing (101) and proceed toward the winding gear (1212), by transmitting the second control command to the driving unit (121) and changing the second control command to a second driving signal; and a step of moving the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence by driving the motor (1213) according to the second driving signal to rotate the gear connected to the motor (1213).

[0222] Here, the test part (22) of the target sequence is a sequence number indicating the test part (22) of the urine test subject that is to be exposed to the urine path and come into contact with urine, among the entire sequence numbers of the multiple test parts (22) arranged on the tape (21) of the urine test paper (20).

[0223] The above first control command is a control command that causes the first pad 21, which is the first to be performed in the inspection section (22) of the target sequence, to be positioned in the exposure section between the through hole (1021a) and the through hole (1021b).

[0224] The above first control command may indicate the movement distance of the urine test strip (20) according to the driving of the motor (1213). In the above first control command, the movement distance of the urine test strip (20) may be set according to the length (Ltest) of the test portion (22) and the length of the exposure section between the through hole (1021a) and the through hole (1021b). The control unit (129) may generate the above first control command and transmit it to the driving unit (121).

[0225] The above first driving signal indicates the rotation speed, number of rotations, and / or rotation angle of the motor (1213) for implementing the movement distance of the urine test paper (20) indicated by the first control command. When the driving unit (121) receives the first control command, it can calculate the rotation speed, number of rotations, and / or rotation angle of the motor (1213) for implementing the movement distance indicated by the first control command and generate a first driving signal corresponding to the first control command.

[0226] FIG. 13 illustrates the result of movement of the urine test paper (20) according to the first control command when the length of the inspection portion (22) is less than or equal to the length of the exposure section between the through hole (1021a) and the through hole (1021b), according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0227] Referring to Fig. 13, when the length (Ltest) of the test portion (22) is less than or equal to the length of the exposure section between the through holes (1021a) and (1021b), the first control command may be a control command that positions the entire pads (23a to 23f) in the test portion (22) of the target sequence in the exposure section. The control unit (129) transmits the first control command of Fig. 13 to the drive unit (121) to generate a first drive signal, and the motor (1213) is driven according to the first drive signal to move the urine test paper (20) so that the entire pads (23a to 23f) of the test portion (22) of the target sequence are positioned in the exposure section.

[0228] That is, with one control command, the entire inspection part (22) of the target sequence is exposed and can come into contact with the user's urine.

[0229] FIG. 14 illustrates the movement result of the urine test strip (20) according to the 1-1 control command when the length of the inspection portion (22) is longer than the length of the exposure section between the through hole (1021a) and the through hole (1021b) according to various embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 15 illustrates the movement result of the urine test strip (20) according to the 1-2 control command following the movement result of FIG. 14.

[0230] In FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the 1-1 control command and the 1-2 control command are control commands similar to the 1st control command of FIG. 13, which partially expose the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence to the exposure section.

[0231] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the length (Ltest) of the inspection portion (22) is longer than the length of the exposure section between the through holes (1021a) and the through holes (1021b), the first control command may include a 1-1 control command for causing the first pad (23a) of the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence to be completely positioned in the exposure section while the largest number of pads among the inspection portions (22) of the target sequence are positioned in the exposure section, and a 1-2 control command for exposing the pads (23) that were not exposed by the 1-1 control command in the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence to the exposure section before the user's urination is completed.

[0232] If the length (Ltest) of the above-mentioned inspection portion (22) is longer than the length of the exposure section between the through holes (1021a) and the through holes (1021b), the entire inspection portion (22) of the target sequence cannot be exposed to the exposure section as in Fig. 13. Therefore, a part of the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence is first exposed to the exposure section through the 1-1 control command. The movement distance indicated by the 1-1 control command and the 1-2 control command can be set based on the length (Ltest) of the inspection portion (22), the spacing between the pads (23), and the length of the exposure section between the through holes (1021a) and the through holes (1021b).

[0233] Specifically, the step (S100) is a step of changing the 1-1 control command to a driving unit (121) so that the first pad (23a) of the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence is completely positioned in the exposure section while the largest number of pads among the inspection portions (22) of the target sequence are positioned in the exposure section when the length (Ltest) of the inspection portion (22) is longer than the length of the exposure section between the through holes (1021a) and the through holes (1021b), and changing it to a 1-1 driving signal; a step of supplying the 1-1 driving signal to the motor (1213) so that the motor (1213) is driven according to the 1-1 driving signal to rotate the gear (1211 or 1212) connected to the motor (1213), thereby moving the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence; The method may include a step of transmitting a 1-2 control command to the driving unit (121) to expose a pad (23) that has not been exposed by the 1-1 control command in the exposure section of the inspection section (22) of the target sequence before the user's urine is completed, and changing it into a 1-2 driving signal; and a step of supplying the 1-2 driving signal to the motor (1213) to drive the motor (1213) according to the 1-2 driving signal to rotate a gear (1211 or 1212) connected to the motor (1213), thereby moving the inspection section (22) of the target sequence.

[0234] In this way, the inspection part (22) of the target sequence is continuously exposed by a number of consecutive control commands, so that it can come into contact with the user's urine.

[0235] FIG. 16 illustrates the results of movement of the urine test paper (20) according to the second control command according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 16, the urine test device (100) can control the urine test paper (20) according to a second control command so that the test portion (22) of the urine test paper (20) controlled to the position state of FIG. 13 or the position state of FIG. 15 moves into the internal space of the housing (101) (S200).

[0237] The second control command may be a control command that causes the inspection part (22) of the target sequence to move so as to completely escape from the exposure section. The movement distance indicated by the second control command may be greater than or equal to the length (Ltest) of the inspection part (22) of the target sequence. In addition, the movement distance indicated by the second control command may be less than or equal to the remaining length obtained by excluding the length (Ltest) of the inspection part (22) of the target sequence from the gap length (Lgap) between the inspection part (22) of the target sequence and the inspection part (22) of the next sequence.

[0238] The above control unit (129) can transmit the second control command to the driving unit (121) after the first control command of FIG. 13 or the last control command (e.g., the 1-2 control command) among the plurality of first control commands of FIG. 14.

[0239] When the driving unit (121) supplies a second driving signal corresponding to the second control command to the motor (1213), the urine test paper (20) of FIG. 13 moves as shown in FIG. 14, so that the pad (23) may not be exposed. That is, the pad (23) that has come into contact with the user's urine may return to the internal space of the housing (101) (S200).

[0240] The above second control command can be transmitted to the driving unit (121) after the user's urination is completed and before the toilet is flushed.

[0241] As a result, even if the user finishes urinating and flushes the toilet, the pad (23) that has come into contact with the urine is prevented from further contacting the toilet water, thereby providing more accurate urine test results to the external analysis device (200).

[0242] In some embodiments, the method may further include, when the inspection module (120) includes a sliding cover, a step of controlling the sliding cover to at least partially block the outlet of the urine path after the inspection portion (22) is exposed in step (S100); and a step of controlling the sliding cover to open the outlet of the urine path after the inspection portion (22) is returned inside the housing (101) in step (S200).

[0243] Due to the control of this sliding cover, the time that the user's urine remains in the urine path may increase, thereby increasing the possibility of the user's urine coming into contact with the pad (23) in the test portion (22).

[0244] FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of a process for generating remote urine test results according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 17, the step (S300) may include a step (S310) of obtaining first image data by photographing the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence that was exposed to the urine path and then returned to the internal space of the housing (101) using the first imaging element (123a).

[0246] The above first image data may be a single captured image representing the entire pad within the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence that has returned to the internal space, or may be multiple captured images or video image data sequentially representing the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence.

[0247] The above first image data can be transmitted to an external analysis device (200) as a result of the user's remote urine examination.

[0248] The pad (23) of the test portion (22) that has returned to the internal space of the housing (101) may change color upon contact with the user's urine. When the first image data is provided to the external analysis device (200), the external analysis device (200) can use the first image data to display a first image showing the test portion (22) that has changed color upon contact with the user's urine.

[0249] In some embodiments, the step (S310) may include: a step of outputting light to the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence that has returned to the internal space of the housing (101) through the first light-emitting element (125a); and a step of photographing the inspection portion (22) of the target sequence to obtain first image data. As a result, the color change of the pad (23) in the internal space of the housing (101) can be captured more clearly.

[0250] In addition, in various embodiments of the present application, the step (S300) may further include a step (S320) of obtaining second image data by photographing the user's urine or feces located in the direction of the toilet hole using a second imaging element (123b); and / or a step (S330) of obtaining sensing data by measuring the strength of the user's urine flowing along the urine path using a second sensor (124).

[0251] The second image data may be a single captured image showing the user's urine or feces inside the toilet, or may be video image data.

[0252] The above sensing data can indicate changes in urine intensity over time.

[0253] In addition, the method may further include a step (S500) of repeating the steps (S100 to S300) for the next sequential inspection portion (22) of the target sequential inspection portion (22) after the water discharge is completed.

[0254] The above urine test device (100) can acquire a remote urine test result for the user's urine at a specific point in time using the test part (22) of the target sequence, and then acquire a new remote urine test result for the user's urine at the next point in time using the test part (22) of the next sequence (S500). The process of acquiring the user's remote urine test result by using the test part (22) of the next sequence after the test part (22) of the last target sequence as the test part (22) of the new target sequence has been described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0255] In various embodiments of the present application, whether the user's urination is in progress or complete in steps (S100, S200) can be detected using the first sensor (122). In addition, whether the toilet is flushed in steps (S100, S200) can also be detected using the first sensor (122).

[0256] The measurement results of the first sensor (122) may indicate changes in the user's urine over time or changes in toilet flushing over time.

[0257] The urine test device (100) can detect whether the user has urinated and flushed the toilet using the first sensor (122) after exposing the urine test paper (20) according to the first control command.

[0258] The above control unit (129) can determine whether the user has completed urination based on the measurement result of the first sensor (122), generate a second control command, and transmit it to the driving unit (121). Then, the pad (23) that has been in contact with the user's urine during the time between the completion of urination and the time before flushing can be automatically returned to the inside of the housing (101).

[0259] In addition, the control unit (129) can determine the completion of toilet flushing based on the measurement result of the first sensor (122) after the second control command, and generate a first control command subsequent to the second control command and transmit it to the driving unit (121). Then, the pad (23) that will come into new contact with the user's urine during the time between flushing and the next urine discharge can be automatically exposed to the outside of the housing (101).

[0260]

[0261] Additionally, the above-described urine test method may further include a step of providing the user with the operating status of the toilet or device.

[0262] The step of providing the above-mentioned operating status to the user may include the step of recognizing completion of urination based on the detection result of the first sensor (122); the step of outputting a first light-emitting notification through the second light-emitting element (125b) to notify that flushing is not allowed during a time period before the urine is recognized and the completion of urination is recognized; and the step of outputting a second light-emitting notification through the second light-emitting element (125b) to notify that flushing is allowed when the rotation of the gear according to the second control command is completed.

[0263] The first light-emitting notification and the second light-emitting notification may differ in at least one of the color and output pattern of light output from the second light-emitting element (125b).

[0264]

[0265] In addition, the above urine test method may further include a step of requesting replacement of the urine test paper (20).

[0266] The control unit (129) can determine whether or not movement of the urine test strip (20) is no longer possible based on the photographing result of the first imaging element (123a). The control unit (129) can determine whether movement of the urine test strip (20) is attempted through the first control command, but actual movement of the urine test strip (20) according to the first control command is not confirmed based on the photographing result of the first imaging element (123a). If actual movement of the urine test strip (20) is not confirmed, it is determined that further movement of the urine test strip (20) is no longer possible.

[0267] If the movement of the urine test strip (20) is no longer possible, the control unit (129) may transmit a replacement message requesting replacement of the urine test strip (20) to the user through the communication unit (126), or output a third light-emitting notification indicating replacement of the urine test strip (20) to the user through the second light-emitting element (125b). The third light-emitting notification may be different in at least one of the color and output pattern of the light output from the second light-emitting element (125b) compared to the first light-emitting notification and the second light-emitting notification.

[0268] By using this urine test device (100), the user can save the trouble of visiting a testing institution for a urine test.

[0269]

[0270] When implementing embodiments of the present invention using hardware, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) or DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), etc. configured to perform embodiments of the present application may be included as components of the present application.

[0271] The operations of the urine test device installed on the inner wall of a toilet and the urine test method performed thereby according to the embodiments of the present application described above can be implemented at least partially as a computer program and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, it can be implemented together with a program product consisting of a computer-readable medium including program code, which can be executed by a processor to perform any or all of the steps, operations, or processes described.

[0272] The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across network-connected computer systems, so that computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. In addition, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiment will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains.

[0273] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible. However, such modifications should be considered within the technical protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

[0274] The urine test device according to the embodiments of the present application is expected to have high industrial applicability in the field of urine testing because it provides high user convenience by helping users avoid the trouble of visiting a testing institution offline for a urine test.

Claims

1. In a urine test device installed on the inner wall of a toilet, A fixing member for fixing the above urinary examination device to the inner wall of a toilet; A housing forming a urine path toward a toilet bowl, wherein a through hole is formed in said urine path; A test module configured to control movement of the urine test strip accommodated in the internal space of the housing so that the urine test strip is exposed to the urine path through the through hole so that the urine test strip can come into contact with the user's urine flowing in the urine path; Includes a communication module that transmits the remote urine test results of the user to an external analysis device, The above inspection module, A first imaging element for photographing the urine test paper exposed to the urine path to generate first image data indicating whether there is a change in the color of the pad in the urine test paper; and A control unit that controls the movement of the above urine test paper and receives the photographing result of the first imaging element to generate the user's remote urine test result. Urine testing device.

2. In paragraph 1, the inspection module, A supply gear rotatably installed in the above housing and having a tape-shaped urinalysis test paper wound on it; A winding gear rotatably installed in the above housing and for recovering the urine test paper; a motor for rotating the above supply gear or take-up gear; and An actuator comprising an actuator that provides a driving signal for the motor to the motor according to a control command of the control module. Urine testing device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above through holes are a pair of through holes, which are formed spaced apart from each other on one side wall defining the urine path in the housing, The pad of the above urine test paper is exposed to the urine path by passing through the first through hole from the supply gear due to the rotation of the supply gear and the take-up gear, and then passes through the second through hole into the housing and proceeds toward the take-up gear. The above supply gear and the take-up gear are installed so that the gears formed on their peripheral surfaces are mutually engaged, and when one gear rotates in one direction, the remaining gears rotate in the opposite direction in synchronization with the rotation of the one gear. Urine testing device.

4. In the second paragraph, the inspection module, The test paper case further includes the supply gear, the winding gear, and the test paper case including the test paper in the inner space of the test paper case, wherein the test paper case includes a pair of case through holes, The above inspection module, The above urine test paper is configured such that the urine test paper passes through the first case through hole from the supply gear and advances to the first through hole, and the urine test paper that passes through the second through hole advances to the winding gear through the second case through hole. The test paper case is configured to be detachable from the internal space of the housing, so that a new urine test paper is supplied to the urine test device by replacing the test paper case. Urine testing device.

5. In the third paragraph, a portion of the surface of the housing corresponding to the spaced section between the pair of through holes is characterized in that it protrudes more than another portion of the surface around the through holes located outside the spaced section in the housing. Urine testing device.

6. In paragraph 2, The above urine test paper is an arrangement of one or more pads containing a test reagent, The above tape-shaped urine test paper comprises a tape extending in one direction; and at least one test portion positioned on the tape, A urine test device, wherein each test portion is a pad containing a test reagent arranged in series, and the interval between different test portions is longer than the length of the interval between the pair of through holes.

7. In paragraph 1, The length of the above urine path is characterized in that it is longer than the length of the shortest path from one end of the above urine path to the other end. Urine testing device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above urinary path is, A first partial path extending in a direction not parallel to the path direction of the shortest path, and characterized in that it comprises a second partial path in the form of a corner, one end of said second partial path being joined to said first partial path; Urine testing device.

9. In paragraph 7, the bottom surface of the urine path is characterized in that at least one structure is formed as a protruding structure on the surface of the above-mentioned small path to further slow down the flow of urine. Urine testing device.

10. In the first paragraph, the urine path in the housing is In the above urine path, the cross-sectional area of ​​the path portion relatively closer to the rim side of the toilet is characterized in that it is wider than the cross-sectional area of ​​the path portion relatively closer to the toilet hole in the above urine path. Urine testing device.

11. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned fixing member is in the form of a hook, and one end of the hook-shaped fixing member is connected to the housing and the other end of the hook-shaped fixing member is characterized in that it is hung on the rim side of the toilet. Urine testing device.

12. In the 11th paragraph, the hook-shaped fixing member connected to the housing is characterized in that the one end is connected to a surface facing the toilet hole in the housing. Urine testing device.

13. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned fixing member is characterized in that it has a suction cup shape. Urine testing device.

14. In paragraph 1, characterized in that it further includes a blocking member that at least partially blocks a flat area of ​​a discharge port through which urine is discharged in the above urine path. Urine testing device.

15. In the first paragraph, the inspection module, It further includes one or more elements among a second imaging element that generates second image data by photographing in the direction of the toilet hole; and a sensor that measures the intensity of urine flowing through the urine path; The above control unit, If the above-mentioned urine examination device includes the second imaging element, the second image data is generated by receiving the photographing result of the second imaging element, and If the above urine test device includes the sensor, it is further configured to receive the detection result of the sensor and generate sensing data. Characterized in that one or more of the first image data, the second image data, and the sensing data as a result of the user's remote urine test are transmitted to the external analysis device through the communication module. Urine testing device.

Images